"We have a great school district with dedicated people," Schnurrenberger said. "Forty years ago I started serving on the board. I want to thank my colleagues for a great 40 years and I want to thank the Austintown community for this opportunity."

According to board members, both men will be missed and have both impacted the school, the students and the community.

Article Photos

Photo by Melissa Moliterno, Town Crier Correspondent Austintown Board of Education president Dave Schnurrenberger and BOE member Tom Stellers were presented with plaques as a thank you for their years of service to the district at the Dec. 18 meeting of the Austintown Board of Education. Schnurrenberger's and Stellers' terms are up at the end of this year. Pictured from left are: Schnurrenberger, left; superintendent, Vincent Colaluca; and Stellers

"In one way or another I have been Associated with Austintown schools since 1946," said Stellers. I'd like to thank the community for granting me the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Education."

Plaques recognizing their years of service were presented to Schnurrenberger and Stellers by Schools superintendent Vincent Colaluca. Colaluca said he would typically present each person with their plaques separately but since they started on the board together and served together he thought it was fitting to bid them farewell together.

In other business:

* The AFHS football team was recognized for setting a school record of an undefeated year. Head Football Coach, Phil Annarella was also presented with an award for being named State of Ohio Division I Coach of the Year;

* The AMS Choir and Fitch Jazz Band both performed at the meeting;

* Cheerleaders were approved to travel to Dublin, Oh. Jan. 9 to compete in the AmeriCheer competition;

* Dave Ritchie was appointed as President Pro-Tem for the January organizational meeting; and

* The hiring of the architect firm Oslavsky Jaminet was approved for not more than $24,195 for preliminary support services for the bond issue in regards to AFHS. This includes the auditorium and athletic departments.